May 15, 2007 > Milpitas Minor Giants give undefeated A's a run for their money

Milpitas Minor Giants give undefeated A's a run for their money

Submitted By Geoff Stanford

The 10-year old and under Minor A's in the Milpitas North Little League entered their game Thursday night against the undefeated Giants with a record of 12-0. They left 13-0, but just barely. The Giants, who lost their last game against the A's due to an 8-run final inning rally, did their best to end the unbeaten streak. Their hopes were dashed as the tying run was thrown out at home, ending the game at 11- 10.

The game ending play at the plate was one of ten plays that saw a runner thrown out at home. Pitchers and catchers alike did an outstanding job of covering home, and in many cases blocked the ability of the runner to even reach the plate. The base running on both sides was very aggressive, leading to many stolen bases, extra runs, and the aforementioned outstanding defensive plays.

Jason Scrempos started the game for the A's, pitching 3 innings and striking out 6. Trevor Jimenez started the game on the mound for the Giants striking out two batters through 3 innings. Relief pitchers came in for both teams in the fourth inning and did a great job.

As the score would suggest, there were many offensive heroes for both squads. Doubles were all the rage, as Tyler Nichols and Mike Pyle both had ringing doubles to center for the A's, and Devin Alamillo and Tray Clark added doubles for the Giants. Roxanne Maestre also added to the offense by scoring after reaching third base on a triple.

The Giants entered the final inning trailing the A's by 3 runs. They rallied for two runs and had the game-tying run at third when a passed ball enticed the runner to attempt to score. A great play by Tyler Nichols behind the plate ended the rally and the game, preserving the undefeated season for the A's.

Milpitas North Little League has a format that includes both inter-league and intra-league games throughout the regular season, culminating in a round-robin tournament at the end of the season. This tournament allows all teams to participate, wiping the slate clean after the regular season. The round-robin tournament begins the Tuesday after Labor Day.

(Ace freelance reporter and little league baseball nut, Geoff Stanford, will be visiting games throughout the season. Look for him wearing a black cap with the "Tri-City Voice" logo and sporting an ear-to-ear grin!)